9/17/2007

Protections for paddlefish in the Indiana portion of the Ohio River have been adopted by emergency rule by the state’s Department of Natural Resources.

The bulk of the restrictions affect commercial operators seeking paddlefish eggs for the global caviar market.

DNR Director Robert Carter Jr. took the action to protect the fish after a two-year undercover operation by DNR law enforcement that revealed widespread violations of existing laws governing commercial harvest of the fish.

A drastic decline in traditional sturgeon caviar sources in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union has placed increasing harvest pressure on sources of caviar substitutes, such as paddlefish in the Mississippi River Basin, including the Ohio River. A mature female paddlefish may carry several pounds of eggs, which are valued at $70 per pound or more at the wholesale level, and at more than $250 per pound retail.

“Our recent investigation clearly revealed that existing regulations are insufficient to protect this unique resource,” Carter said. “Unfortunately, the high market prices for paddlefish caviar do not encourage resource conservation.

“The escalating harvest pressure threatens to take paddlefish faster than they can be replaced, which could lead to a shortage we intend to prevent.”

The emergency rule establishes a commercial paddlefish harvest season from Nov. 15 through April 15, and a minimum paddlefish size limit of 34 inches (from eye to fork of tail). The rule also prohibits the use of gill nets and trammel nets during the closed paddlefish season, and standardizes a method for commercial fishers to check paddlefish for the presence of eggs.

By state law, the DNR director has authority to temporarily modify rules for the DNR. Such modifications are valid for a maximum of one year and can be renewed for an additional period not to exceed one year. Before the emergency rule expires, the Division of Fish and Wildlife plans to propose a permanent rule protecting paddlefish for public comment.

The emergency rule also prohibits the snagging of paddlefish by those with a sport- fishing license. Although sport-caught fish cannot be legally sold, the investigation revealed widespread snagging of paddlefish in areas of the river closed to commercial fishing being done by those with sport-fishing licenses for sale on the commercial market.

Undercover officers posing as fishermen were able to infiltrate the illegal operations. More than 20 suspects have been arrested to date, with more than 300 charges being filed. The misdemeanor and felony changes include the illegal taking of paddlefish, money laundering, and racketeering and corrupt business influence.

The paddlefish is a smooth-skinned primitive fish that has a cartilaginous skeleton and a rostrum or “paddle” that protrudes from the fish’s head. Paddlefish can live for more than 50 years and weigh more than 150 pounds. Most females require 10 to 12 years to mature and may spawn only every two to three years. Males mature at 7 to 9 years of age.

The DNR is working in cooperation with Kentucky and Illinois Fish and Wildlife officials to develop long-term management actions that will ensure healthy paddlefish stocks capable of sustained caviar harvest. Both Kentucky and Indiana have temporarily suspended further sale of Ohio River commercial fishing licenses until more permanent protections are in place.